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Last year, Thomas’ office released his “Mount Vernon Playbook,” which outlined his plans for the once vibrant and lively recreation hub, and has since been meeting with the community as they discuss the best steps to take as they move forward with revitalization efforts.
According to Thomas, his vision includes a new stadium that seats between 15,000 and 25,000 people with shops, restaurants, a pool, movie theaters and other commercial space at the park, which will feature an eight-lane track and super-sized grass field under a retractable dome.
Thomas said that this would create hundreds of permanent jobs, thousands of indirect jobs and increase sales tax revenue. “This is the type of shot in the arm our local economy needs to reduce the property tax burden, while enhancing quality of life.”
In response to the Memorial Field Playbook, Thomas said that the United States Conference of Mayors has taken “a special interest in the revitalization project,” and will be hosting a session in July with planners, architects and business leaders to help bring the vision to life. He noted that national developers have reportedly stepped up and indicated their interest in the project and working with the city.
“As we move forward and engage in more conversations, we will continue to refine the vision so it meets the needs of the people of Mount Vernon,” he stated. “It will take years of planning to get this done; however, our Field and our future is worth the investment. We deserve to have it back for our children and years to come.”
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